Driving in Sweden as a United States National
Sweden offers excellent road quality, clear signage, and straightforward driving rules. EU and US license holders do not need an IDP. Watch for moose and congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Key Things to Know First
Sweden generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
Both United States and Sweden drive on the right. No adjustment needed.
United States uses mph, but Sweden uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United States | Sweden | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 16 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 911 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Easy | Easy | — |
Speed Limits in Sweden
Speed limits in Sweden are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Sweden
- Original driving licence from United States — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Sweden before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Sweden
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Sweden Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Sweden.
Read the complete guide